Salt Lake City System Improvement Project

Overview and Schedule

NEED for the project: These improvements are necessary for Dominion Energy Utah to keep pace with growing customer demand for natural gas, maintain overall system integrity and continue providing safe and reliable service.

LOCATIONS and SCHEDULES: Pipeline replacement work is underway or is planned at the following locations and, weather permitting, for the specified times:

February to May 2017 - 1700 South between 700 East and 1300 East

February to August 2017 -- 1300 East between 800 South and 1700 South

CONSTRUCTION NOTES: We are committed to completing this work as quickly and with as little inconvenience to local businesses and residents as possible. These projects may involve some nighttime and weekend work. To provide room for crews and equipment, some temporary lane restrictions, especially at intersections, will be necessary. Watch this site for the latest traffic information.

Please drive carefully and obey all signs and flaggers. To avoid congestion in construction zones, motorists are advised to use alternate routes when possible and to allow plenty of travel time to get where they're going. Our crews will make every effort to maintain access to businesses and driveways in construction zones at all times. No interruption to residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this project. We appreciate your patience.

These projects are part of a multi-year effort by Dominion Energy Utah to maintain system integrity by replacing aging sections of pipe throughout Utah. Since 1995, the company has successfully replaced nearly 150 miles of high- and intermediate high-pressure pipe installed prior to 1970. Future system upgrades are planned. The company will announce the start of these projects when schedules are determined.

Project Updates

April 22, 2016 (West Jordan) – On May 2, Dominion Energy Utah began installing approximately 15,000 feet of new, six-inch-diameter steel pipe on 4000 West from 9000 South to 9800 South and on 9800 South from 4000 West to 2700 West. Multiple crews may be working simultaneously at various locations along the project route. To expedite completion of construction, crews will be working 10-hour days, six days a week. Some night work may be necessary at critical intersections and canal crossings. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of December 2016. . No interruption to local business’ or residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this period. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures can be expected. Crews will work diligently to maintain access to businesses, driveways and sidewalks. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to limit driving in construction zones.

Feb. 1, 2016 (Salt Lake City) -- Construction to replace an existing gas main is underway on 300 East between 3300 South and 2100 South streets. Multiple crews may be working simultaneously at various locations along the project route to expedite completion of construction. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of December 2016. No interruption to local business’ or residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this period. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures can be expected. Crews will work diligently to maintain access to businesses, driveways and sidewalks. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to limit driving in construction zones.

Dec. 17, 2015 (Salt Lake City) - On Jan. 4, 2016, crews will begin replacing a main gas line at Exchange Place Plaza between State and Main streets at 350 South in downtown. This work is expected to take several weeks to complete. During construction,crews will accommodate deliveries on Exchange Place Street and access to businesses will remain open. No interruption to natural gas service is anticipated during this project. Those interested in learning more about this work, a public meeting will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Royal Eatery located at 379 Main St.

Oct. 8, 2015 -- Salt Lake City: On Oct. 12, crews will begin replacing a section of gas main using a directional bore under the sidewalks on both sides of 400 South and 500 South between Main Street and 200 West. On Oct. 19, crews will begin replacing a section of gas main using a directional bore under the sidewalks on the East side of 400 East between 400 South and South Temple. Work at both locations is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 23. No interruption to local business’ or residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this period. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures can be expected. Crews will work diligently to maintain access to businesses, driveways and sidewalks. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to limit driving in construction zones.

Sept. 14, 2015 -- Salt Lake City: Beginning Sept. 21, crews will begin replacing a section of gas main using a directional bore under the sidewalks on both sides of 200 South between 200 West and 400 West. This work is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 20. No interruption to local business' or residents' natural gas service is anticipated. During construction, crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures can be expected. Crews will work diligently to maintain access to businesses, driveways and sidewalks. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to limit driving in construction zones.

July 15, 2015 -- Salt Lake City: This week crews have begun installing a new 8-inch plastic main line from State Street down Exchange Place (350 South) one-half block to Cactus St. (50 East). Exchange Place and Cactus St. are narrow streets so motorists are advised to please avoid the area if possible during the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by August 2015. On 400 South, work to install pipe across the 200 East intersection is scheduled to be completed this week.

July 6, 2015 - Harrison Blvd. (South Ogden) Crews this week have resumed work installing new pipe on South Harrison (1550 East) between Highway 89 and 6200 South and are expected to finish by Aug. 14. During construction, traffic will be maintained in both directions (northbound and southbound) on Harrison Blvd. and 1550 East. But motorists can expect lane restrictions and temporary closures to accommodate movement of pipe and equipment. A UDOT project is also underway in the area. Visit www.udot.gov for additional updates.

June 18, 2015 --200 West (Salt Lake City) -- Next week crews will begin trenching across the 300 intersection South on the west side of 200 West. This work will require lane shifts/closures eastbound and westbound on 300 South at 200 East as work progresses across the intersection. If possible, drivers are encouraged to avoid this intersection until the crossing is completed, which should take a week or so. Meanwhile, work continues to install new mainline on 200 West and the southbound lanes on the west side of 200 West remains closed from 200 South to 600 South to allow room for crews and equipment. In coming weeks, pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 200 South and 600 South in work zones as work progresses. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

June 15, 2015 -- 700 East (Salt Lake City): On Monday, June 22, a crew is scheduled to begin a directional bore under 700 East at 1700 South to replace a gas main. This work is scheduled to be completed by July 11. No interruption to residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this project. During construction, crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures can be expected. Crews will work diligently to maintain access to business, driveways and sidewalks. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to limit driving in construction zones.

June 2, 2015 -- 200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews are installing new 16-inch-diameter steel pipe working northward from 800 South to 200 South. Pipe is buried, asphalt repaired and jersey barriers removed with no traffic restrictions between 800 South and 600 South. Crews are boring pipe under 400 South on the west side of the intersection this week. Presently, the outside southbound lane on the west side of 200 West is closed from 200 South to 600 South to allow room for crews and equipment. In coming weeks, pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 200 South and 600 South in work zones as work progresses. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

May 29, 2015--200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews are installing new 16-inch-diameter steel pipe working northward from 800 South to 200 South. Pipe is buried and temporary asphalt repair will be completed this week from 800 South to 600 South. Crews will begin boring pipe under the 400 South intersection on Monday, May 31. Presently, the outside southbound lane on the west side of 200 West is closed from 450 South to 800 South to allow room for crews and equipment. In coming weeks, pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 800 South and 100 South in work zones as work progresses. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

May 5, 2015--200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews continue stringing and installing new 16-inch-diameter steel pipe working northward from 800 South to 200 South. Presently, the outside southbound lane on the west side of 200 West is closed from 450 South to 800 South to allow room for crews and equipment. Traffic is open in both directions, except southbound between 700 South and 800 South, which is restricted to local traffic only for the next week or two while crews complete boring from 700 South down to the middle of the block at Orchard Place. In coming weeks, pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 800 South and 100 South in work zones as work progresses. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

April 27, 2015--200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews have completed installing new plastic main from 100 South to 800 South and have reversed direction and for the next few weeks will be stringing and installing new, 16-inch-diameter steel pipe from 800 South to 200 South. At present, the outside southbound lane on the west side of 200 West is closed from 450 South to 800 South to allow room for crews and equipment. Traffic is open in both directions, but pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 800 South and 100 South in work zones as work progresses. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

April 7, 2015-- 200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews have installed new plastic main from 100 South to 500 South and this week will continue to 700 South. In some blocks, the outside southbound lane is closed to allow room for crews and equipment. Traffic is open in both directions, but pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 200 South and 700 South in work zones.

Harrison Blvd (Ogden): Between 19th Street and 30th Street construction to replace several thousand feet of buried natural gas pipeline is underway. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of June 2015. This week a second crew is scheduled to begin similar work on South Harrison between 5600 South and 6200 South. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures (mainly at intersections and to accommodate movement of pipe and equipment) can be expected. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

April 1, 2015-- 200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews have installed new plastic main from 100 South to 200 South and this week will continue to 600 South. In some blocks, the outside southbound lane is closed to allow room for crews and equipment. Traffic is open in both directions, but pedestrians and drivers can expect sidewalk closures and parking restrictions on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 200 South and 600 South in work zones.

Harrison Blvd (Ogden): Between 19th Street and 30th Street construction to replace several thousand feet of buried natural gas pipeline is underway. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of June 2015. On April 6, a second crew is schedule to begin similar work on South Harrison between 5600 South and 6200 South. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures (mainly at intersections and to accommodate movement of pipe and equipment) can be expected. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

March 25, 2015-- 200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews have installed new plastic main from 100 South to 200 South and this week will continue to 400 South. Sidewalk closures and parking restrictions are in place on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 200 South and 500 South.

March 23, 2015-- 200 West (Salt Lake City): Crews have installed new plastic main from 100 South to 300 South and this week will continue to 400 South. Sidewalk and parking restrictions are in place on the west side (southbound) of 200 West between 300 South and 400 South.

March 17, 2015 -- 1700 South (Salt Lake City): All individual service lines between State Street and 700 East have been connected to the new main. Eastbound traffic is now open between State Street and 700 east. Westbound traffic between 300 East and 200 East will be closed this week while crews work to de-commission the old steel mains. Work should be completed and final cleanup finished on 1700 South by the end of this week.

March 11, 2015 -- 1700 South (Salt Lake City): All services on the south side of 1700 South have been connected to the new 8-inch plastic main. Eastbound traffic is open from State Street to 700 East. Westbound traffic is closed from 400 East to 600 East while a boring crew installs new plastic main on the north side of 1700 South and individual service lines are connected to the new pipe.

200 West from 100 South to 800 South (Salt Lake City): Beginning this week a bore crew will be setting up at 100 South on the west side of 200 West to begin installing new pipe working south. The southbound outside-right lane of 200 West may be restricted to allow room for men and equipment in one-to two-block sections as crews work south. Temporary closures of sidewalks and side streets can also be expected. No gas service interruption is expected and access to businesses will be maintained as much as possible during this work.

March 10, 2015 -- (Ogden) Harrison Blvd between 19th Street and 30th Street: Construction to replace several thousand feet of buried natural gas pipeline is expected to begin this week. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of June 2015. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures (mainly at intersections and to accommodate movement of pipe and equipment) can be expected. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

Feb. 28, 2015 -- 1700 South: All individual service lines on the south side of 1700 South from 400 East to 500 East have been connected to the new 8-inch plastic main. Beginning Tuesday, March 3, traffic in both directions will be open on 1700 South from State Street to 400 East and eastbound traffic will be closed between 400 East and 600 East while crews connect mains and service lines to the new 8-inch plastic main between 500 East 600 East.

Feb. 23, 2015 -- 1700 South between State Street and 700 East: This week between 300 East and 400 East, crews will begin connecting service lines on the south side of 1700 East to the new eight-inch plastic main. Eastbound traffic on 1700 South will be closed between 200 East to 400 East.

200 West between 100 South and 800 South -- Construction to replace several thousand feet of buried natural gas pipeline is expected to begin this week on 200 West between 100 South and 800 South. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of August 2015. Crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions on affected streets, but temporary lane restrictions and closures (mainly at intersections and to accommodate movement of pipe and equipment) can be expected. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. No interruption to residents' natural gas service is anticipated during this project.

Feb. 17, 2015 -- 1700 South between State Street and 700 East: This week between 100 East and 300 East, crews will begin connecting side-street mains and individual service lines on the south side of the street to the new eight-inch plastic main. Additional work scheduled this week includes boring a new 1.25-inch main down Shelmerdine Court and connecting individual service lines to it; patching tie-in holes in the sidewalks with new concrete; and tying-in the new eight-inch plastic main to the existing 16-inch steel line at the intersection of 300 East. The eastbound lane of 1700 South will be closed from State Street to 300 East while this work is completed. Next week, the eastbound lane will be reopened from State Street to 200 East and close from 200 East to 400 East when crews will begin connecting individual service lines to the new main.

Feb. 5, 2015 -- 1700 South between State Street and 700 East: On Feb. 9, crews will begin the second phase of the 1700 South belt line replacement project. During phase one, completed last December, crews installed a new main line in the street. During phase two, crews will connect customers’ individual service lines to the new main line. No interruption to residents’ natural gas service is anticipated during this project. This work is expected to be completed by the end of April 2015. During construction, crews will make every effort to maintain traffic flow in both directions 1700 South, but temporary lane restrictions and closures, including sidewalks, can be expected. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained.

200 West between 100 South and 800 South: On Feb. 17, crews will begin replacing a section of underground natural gas pipe on 200 West between 100 South and 800 South. To provide room for crews and equipment, temporary lane closures can be expected for traffic on 200 West in construction zones, especially weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. While every effort will be made to maintain access to businesses and driveways in construction zones, temporary closures will be necessary to facilitate installation of the new pipeline. All such closures will be coordinated with affected businesses and residents beforehand. No interruption to customers’ natural gas service is anticipated during this project. Allowing for weather and other project demands, this work should be completed by the end of August 2015.

Nov. 13, 2014 -- Crews will complete the first phase of work on 1700 South this Saturday, Nov. 15. They have successfully replaced and are currently testing the new 8-inch-diameter plastic main line between State Street and 700 East. Crews will return next spring to finish the final phase, connecting side-street lateral lines and individual service lines to the new main. All traffic control and lane closures eastbound on 1700 South between State Street and 700 East will be lifted after Saturday, Nov. 15. Thanks for your patience during this phase of the project.

Nov. 10, 2014 --This week on 1700 South, crews will be boring new, 8-inch-diamter plastic main pipe from 620 East to 670 east. Eastbound traffic will be closed from 500 East to 700 East.

Oct. 28, 2014 -- On 400 South, the westbound outside-right lane between 600 East and 200 East will be closed to traffic this week daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. as crews make final tie-ins to put the newly installed main into service. Next week, crews will begin switching individual service lines from the old main to the new main. No gas service interruption is expected and access to businesses will be maintained as much as possible during this work. The service-line crews will begin working at 900 East and move westward closing the outside westbound traffic lane in one- to two-block sections at a time. On 1700 South, in addition to yesterday’s update, crews this week will be potholing to identify buried utilities between 500 East and 600 East. Traffic closures eastbound next week will shift to between 500 East and 700 East. Access to area businesses and residential customer driveways will remain open. Crews will cease working by 4:30 on Friday, Oct. 31, to accommodate early Halloween activities in the neighborhood.

Construction Process

Dominion Energy is committed to completing this project safely and on schedule while minimizing as much as possible any inconvenience to local businesses and residents. To accomplish this, some work may be performed at night and on weekends. This will reduce impacts on morning and evening commutes. We will adhere to all county noise-reduction ordinances.

Construction Zones

For pipe buried beneath streets or highways, construction may require intermittent closures of one or more lanes of traffic. Driveways also may be occasionally blocked by excavation work, otherwise they will be plated to maintain access during business hours and at night and on weekends.

Before construction starts in front of any home or business, a representative will contact the owner or resident to discuss options for maintaining driveway access. Signs notifying the public that businesses remain open during construction are available.

To finish construction on schedule and as quickly as possible, the project is divided into sections, or "spreads." This allows multiple crews to work simultaneously at different locations. Work zones can range from a single intersection to several blocks long. At any one location the amount of time to cut pavement, install new pipe and replace asphalt can range from several days to several weeks.

The public can do its part to ensure construction proceeds safely and on time by finding alternative routes, driving carefully in construction zones and keeping children away from construction sites.

Dominion Energy works closely with city and state transportation officials to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience to drivers and pedestrians. However, for public safety it may be necessary to temporarily close streets and sidewalks or restrict vehicle and pedestrian traffic. As mentioned, driveways may occasionally be blocked by excavation work. We will make every effort to keep these inconveniences as brief as possible. Your patience is appreciated.

If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

Steps During Construction

Following are brief descriptions of the steps involved in pipeline removal and construction:

Locate buried utilities - The area below city streets can be a maze of underground utilities. To avoid damaging these facilities, a procedure known as potholing is used prior to trenching to identify the exact vertical and horizontal location of existing infrastructure, including the pipeline to be replaced.

Move existing utilities - Before trenching (see next step), all water and natural gas service lines that cross the existing pipe will be moved to a lower depth. This will minimize the risk of interrupting water- or gas-service to individual homes or businesses once actual construction begins.

Dig trench - After the pipe has been located and purged of gas and service lines in the trench zone moved, the pavement above the existing pipe is cut and removed. Then equipment is brought in to dig the trench. The depth of the natural gas pipeline trench will be determined by the location of the existing pipe and other utilities. As the trench is dug, the soil is loaded into trucks and hauled away for disposal in a designated landfill.

Remove old pipe - Sections of pipe to be removed are cut into lengths, lifted from the trench, loaded onto trucks and hauled away for proper disposal.

Deliver and "string" new pipe - New pipe is manufactured and inspected to ensure it meets industry and federal safety standards. Pipe sections are then delivered by truck to the construction site where they are placed end-to-end (or "strung") on skids adjacent to the trench. If necessary, a hydraulic machine bends pipe sections to fit around obstacles or conform to the direction of the trench.

Weld new pipe together and coat - Welding crews join the sections of pipe together into a continuous length. Each welded joint is visually inspected, x-rayed and then coated for protection.

Lower pipe into trench - Using one or more tractors, crews lift and then carefully lower the welded sections of pipe into the trench. Final welds are made to "tie-in" any unconnected sections.

Backfill trench - Under streets, in place of the removed soil, a mixture known as "flowable fill" is used to backfill the trench. In other areas, the original soil is replaced.

Pressure test new pipe - After it's buried and before it's put into service, the entire length of new pipe is hydrostatically tested to ensure the integrity of the system. This is done by filling the pipe with water, pressurizing the system above its maximum operating conditions and holding the pressure for a specified time. The pipe is drained, cleaned and dried before put into service.

Clean-up and restore ROW - The final step is to repair the surface over the trench. If necessary, fences or sod may also be replaced.

Directional bore - At some busy intersections, most water crossings and under I-15, instead of trenching, crews will install pipe by boring horizontally underneath the road, stream or canal. The boring machine drills a hole from one side of the road or stream. Pipe is strung on the other side and then pulled back through hole.

Pipeline Safety

We take safety seriously. Since its founding in 1929, our company and its affiliates have engaged in every phase of natural gas service, from production and gathering to transportation and distribution. During that time, while delivering the clean and efficient natural gas our customers rely on daily for their comfort and livelihood, we have earned an enviable record for safety and reliability.

Visit our Safety section on this site for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this project necessary?

At Dominion Energy, we are committed to providing safe, reliable natural gas service at the lowest possible cost.

In recent years, as part of our continuing efforts to meet growing demand for natural gas while improving overall system integrity, we have begun replacing vital sections of our underground pipeline system serving the Wasatch Front. In most cases we are replacing older pipe with newer, stronger and larger diameter pipe. These new pipelines carry more supplies, enabling us to better serve the growing number of new homes and businesses in Utah.

They also enhance safety and reliability by making our system easier to monitor and maintain. Some of the older sections of our system have pipe in varying diameters, ranging from six to 20 inches. Replacing these with pipe of the same diameter makes them accessible to “smart tools. These tools -- commonly known as "pigs" -- use MRI technology to inspect the pipe interior, making it possible to detect and correct potential problems before they occur.

Will my natural gas service be affected by construction?

No. Redundancies in our system should make it possible to replace the existing pipeline without interrupting service to any customers.

Will construction affect my property?

If your property is on or adjacent to the right-of-way, you will receive prior notification by mail alerting you to construction. We work closely with residents and city officials to minimize potential impacts on residents' property. If we do need to access its legal right-of-way to work on or near your property, our company will make reasonable efforts to ensure the landscape is returned as closely as possible to its previous state. This does not include replacement, repair or compensation for unauthorized structures, plants, objects and etc. currently located within the right-of-way.

Residents can make the process easier by making sure that items such as large, deep-rooted trees, concrete slabs, sheds, fences or other structures do not encroach upon our right-of-way. These items not only violate right-of-way policy but also pose a safety hazard and may hinder the company's ability to reach its pipeline in case of emergency or to perform necessary maintenance.

For more information about what is and is not allowed on pipeline rights-of-way, view a brochure on this topic, or request a brochure by contacting one of our representatives at (801) 324-3149.

Will streets be closed or access to private driveways restricted during construction?

Some construction will require temporary lane closures and/or detours. Dominion Energy intends to maintain traffic in both directions on city streets at all times, however temporary lane restrictions can be expected.

Private driveways and access to side streets may also occasionally be blocked by excavation work. When not in use, open trenches will be plated to maintain access during business hours, at night and on weekends.

Any changes in traffic or access will be kept to a minimum and will be as brief as possible.

Before construction starts in front of your home or business, a company representative will contact you to discuss where you would like access maintained. Signs notifying the public that businesses are open during construction will be made available for those who request them.

For the latest information on traffic impacts and lane restrictions, view the Updates section above. You also can receive weekly construction updates by email by calling the Project hotline: (801) 324-5548.

Residents can reduce the risk of accidents by driving carefully in construction zones and keeping children away from the construction site. We work closely with city and state transportation officials to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience to drivers and pedestrians during construction.

How can I contact you with questions or concerns?

For questions, concerns, additional information, or to sign up to receive construction updates, call the Salt Lake City Improvement Projects information Line at 801-324-5521.